The PF-ICGLR delegation is on a mission in Uganda to address peace and security issues in Eastern DRC. Led by Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete, the delegation aims to engage with regional leaders, including President Yoweri Museveni, to promote African-led solutions for stability in the Great Lakes Region. Uganda emphasizes its support for these efforts and the importance of regional leadership in ensuring peace.
A delegation from the Forum of Parliamentarians in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (PF-ICGLR) is conducting a fact-finding mission in Uganda concerning peace and security in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The delegation is led by Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia and President of PF-ICGLR, and includes a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni.
Upon welcoming the delegation on March 10, 2025, Speaker Anita Among praised their dedication to promoting regional peace and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to resolving challenges through African-led initiatives. She emphasized the belief that African issues should typically be addressed locally, lauding their efforts to bring together leaders from various countries.
Further, Speaker Among stated that peace in the DRC is vital for the overall stability of the Great Lakes Region and expressed the necessity of collaboration among African heads of state to foster peace. “Problem-solving is why they are here. We want to see how best peace can be created in the DRC and that peace can only be achieved with our heads of state and with us as Africans. It begins with us,” she remarked.
The objectives of the PF-ICGLR delegation were detailed by Butete, underscoring the critical role of regional leadership in conflict resolution. She indicated that this visit represents the fourth phase of discussions regarding peace and security in Eastern DRC, asserting, “Without peace, we cannot interact, and even regional integration cannot prosper. Peace is a precursor to development.”
Butete stressed the importance of African nations managing their security without undue external interference, stating, “We don’t want to invite strangers to come and intervene in our affairs when we have responsible leaders in our presence who can take charge and guide citizens to ensure peace and stability in the region.”
The findings from this delegation will be presented at the PF-ICGLR plenary in April prior to being elevated for broader discussions. Butete, who is completing her term as forum President, highlighted the necessity for effective advancements in regional peace before leadership transitions to Angola. Uganda continues to play a pivotal role in advocating for indigenous solutions to Africa’s challenges.
In summary, the delegation from the PF-ICGLR is focused on improving peace and security in the Eastern DRC through regional collaboration and African-led solutions. Uganda’s leadership in supporting these initiatives has been reaffirmed, highlighting the importance of local approaches to resolving conflicts and promoting stability within the Great Lakes Region. The findings from this mission will inform future discussions and efforts to bolster peace in the region.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
